APPLYING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO ANALYSE RESOURCE CONSUMPTIONS AND WASTE GENERATION IN A LABORATORY ANIMALS PRODUCTION

Authors

  • Ingrid Daré Viana FIOCRUZ, ICTB – Institute of Science and Technology in Biomodels, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • José Antonio Assunção Peixoto CEFET/RJ - Center of Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca
  • Leydervan de Souza Xavier CEFET/RJ - Center of Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca
  • Cristina Gomes de Souza CEFET/RJ - Center of Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14488/BJOPM.2016.v13.n4.a7

Keywords:

HCW management, Laboratory animal, animal research facilities, health-care waste, life cycle assessment

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze resource consumptions of a laboratory rabbits production, in a Brazilian animal research facility, in order to produce a harmonized Health-Care Waste (HCW) classification, according to national regulations and international guidelines, as it is a basis to perform health and safety risk analysis, of animals, humans and environment impacts in HCW management. Methodologically, the principles and framework from Life Cycle Assessment were used to produce a door‑to‑door Life Cycle Inventory to produce the HCW classification and a short environmental impact assessment. A high electricity consumption (about 96%), for conditioning facilities maintenance, and a high water consumption transformed into effluents and emissions (about 97.5%) were observed. Specifically, from HCW classification a first analysis of mass pointed: effluents (45.92 %), emissions (52.54 %), biological waste (1.45%) and common waste (0.001 %). These data are primary estimates that lead to deeper analysis of toxic materials and contamination. Finally, the entire study produced a cross fertilization of information giving more transparency about the rationality implied in the modeling of processes and presentation of reports, enabling to relate the local scope of impact assessment through  broader reflections on global social responsibility and eco-efficiency.

 

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Published

2016-12-30

How to Cite

Viana, I. D., Peixoto, J. A. A., Xavier, L. de S., & de Souza, C. G. (2016). APPLYING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO ANALYSE RESOURCE CONSUMPTIONS AND WASTE GENERATION IN A LABORATORY ANIMALS PRODUCTION. Brazilian Journal of Operations & Production Management, 13(4), 472–481. https://doi.org/10.14488/BJOPM.2016.v13.n4.a7